Fire Risk High as Winds Gusting Over 50 MPH Hit Rochester Area
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The gusty winds associated with the cold front that is sweeping across southeastern Minnesota today are creating travel hazards and other problems.
Among them is the risk for fast-moving grass fires due to the lack of snow and very dry conditions. The Rochester Fire Department responded late this morning to a significant grass fire near the Gamehaven Reservoir on the southeastern edge of the Rochester near the Shoppes on Maine retail complex.
The Fire Department indicated Rochester firefighters were assisted by Stewartville Fire Rescue in battling the fire. Crews utilized brush trucks and off-road vehicles to help halt the spread of the flames. The effort also required the overhaul of a small section of an adjacent wooded area affected by the fire.
A wind advisory issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 6 PM. Forecasters say the region can expect northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph with the potential for gusts up to 55 mph.
The National Weather Service says it received a report shortly after 1 PM of wind gusts between 50 and 55 mph in the Oronoco area, where some shingles had been blown off roofs and a number of small branches had been knocked down. Another report out of Dodge County indicated there was a gust of nearly 60 mph east of Kasson and a gust of 51 mph was recorded at the Mayo One Helipad at St. Marys Hospital.
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross
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